2016 National Signing Day

  • Ten Crowley ISD athletes signed their National Letters of Intent to play football and soccer at various universities during National Signing Day Feb. 3.

    National Signing Day is the first day a high school senior can sign a binding Letter of Intent for college football. Although there are numerous signing periods for college sports, football, which always falls on the first Wednesday in February, is the most followed. A letter of intent is binding for both the player and school for one academic year as long as the player is eligible to enroll at the college.
  • Crowley High School Signees

    CHS Head Coach Chris James on the signing class:

    “These young men came to us four years ago as freshmen and they’ve come a long way, turning into young men. These guys always had strong character and have done everything that we’ve asked them to do in the last four years. Because of that, they’re fulfilling their goals and dreams.”


    Keyshawn Brown
    Football
    Howard Payne University

    Brown is one of three Eagles to take their game to the next level at Howard Payne University. In his senior season, the tight end collected 14 catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns.

    “This is a conclusion to a happy story,” Brown said. “Football has always been something that makes me happy and I look forward to doing it, and today I signed up to play at the next level and that’s not something that everybody gets the chance to do.”

    Crowley Head Football Coach Chris James has high hopes for Brown.

    “Keyshawn Brown is a solid athlete and he’s going to be heck of a football play at the next level,” James said. 

    Darius Curtis
    Football
    Howard Payne University

    After totaling 48 tackles in his senior campaign, Curtis will look to claim a defensive back position for HPU. Signing his letter of intent was a big milestone in his career.

    “This is a very exciting moment for me and my family, Curtis said. “It’s every high school player’s dream to sign somewhere and continue to play football at the next level, so it’s a big day for me.”

    “Darius Curtis is a solid kid,” James added. “He’s going to be a great student-athlete for Howard Payne.”

    Kenneth Coleman
    Football
    Trinity Valley Community College

    Coleman is already on campus at TVCC, taking classes and preparing for next season.

    Corey May
    Football
    Howard Payne University

    May will attend HPU after a senior season that included 498 yards on 98 carries and three touchdowns on the ground. The running back also tallied two receptions for 20 yards and a score.

    “Corey May is one of the leaders of our program,” James said. “I’m sure that whatever he decides to do in life, he’s going to be successful at it.”

    Besides playing football, May is also excited about the great education that he’ll receive at HPU.

    Feb. 5 
    Crowley High School Soccer Player Signs With ETBU
     
    Emilee Laxson
    Soccer
    East Texas Baptist University     
     
    Laxson, a soccer player since she was 3 years old, said attending ETBU on a soccer scholarship is a blessing.

    “I knew soccer would take me far,” she said. “That’s why I stuck with it.”

    She chose to sign with ETBU because, “It’s Christian based, and that’s really important to me.” She also likes that it's a smaller school with a close-knit feel.

    Head Soccer Coach Sean McGarry said Laxson is the “team captain you dream to have for your program.”

    “She is an absolute leader in every letter of the word,” McGarry said, adding that she is a wonderful student.

    ETBU will be a perfect fit for her, he said, noting, “It’s what her heart wanted.”

    CISD Town Hall Meetings
     
     
     
     
     

     

  • North Crowley High School Signees

    Jalen Clayton
    Football
    Texas Lutheran University

    Clayton is looking forward to the college experience and putting his parents’ advice to work while attending Texas Lutheran University.

    “I think it’s a great chance to not only continue my academics but my football career,” he said.

    North Crowley Head Football Coach Eugene Rogers said Clayton, a defensive end, did a “phenomenal job on and off the field.”

    “With his hard work in the classroom and on the field he was able to get an offer to go play at Texas Lutheran University,” Rogers said.         

    Anfernee Cooper
    Football
    University of Minnesota Crookston

    Rogers called Cooper an “outstanding kid” who was voted a football captain by his peers. Cooper was injured early in the season but still garnered a scholarship offer.

    “With his play and his academics, he was able to get a scholarship because of what he did before he got injured,” Rogers said.

    Cooper is excited about a different experience and environment in Minnesota.

    “I really feel like I’m prepared to move on to the next level and just play and have fun and continue my education,” Cooper said.

    Dar’won Hawkins
    Football
    Southwestern Baptist University (Missouri)

    Hawkins, a football captain, is ranked as a first team all-state cornerback.

    “He’s a leader on the team and in the fieldhouse and in school,” Rogers said.

    Hawkins is excited to attend Southwestern Baptist University, where he said he felt welcomed during a visit with his soon-to-be teammates and dean.  

    “I’m glad I’m going to a Christian school,” he said. “I’m going somewhere that God will be the way.  They took a chance on me. That’s why I’m happy.”

    Dez Henderson-Haynes
    Football
    University of Minnesota Crookston

    Henderson-Haynes, also a football captain, led the North Crowley team in touchdowns. Rogers praised Hawkins’ patience, demeanor and hard work.

    “Staying late and coming early paid off for him in the long run,” he said. “He’s done a phenomenal job on and off the field.”

    Henderson-Haynes said he had not expected much in terms of offers because of his smaller size.

    “They took a chance with me,” he said. “It’s by the grace of God that I get to go to Minnesota.”

    Andrew Lee
    Football
    United States Naval Academy

    Lee is excited and feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the Naval Academy and is excited to start the next chapter of his life.

    “It’s not about the next four years, but the next 40 years, so I chose the Naval Academy, and they’re good at football too,” he said.

    Rogers said he is proud of Lee for what he’s been able to accomplish, particularly since he played varsity just one year because of his older age.

    “He’s done a tremendous job of focusing on his academics and athletics,” Rogers said. “It paid off for him by going to the Naval Academy.”

    Karissa Phillips
    Soccer
    Austin College

    Head Soccer Coach Alan Ludington expects Phillips to do well in the future. 

    “She’ll do great,” he said. “She’s a great kid, a great student. She’s made first team all-district every year.”

    Phillips, a defensive player, chose Austin College for its academic reputation. She wants to study to become a teacher.

    “The academics are so strong,” she said. “I didn’t want to go to college just for athletics.”